The Effect of Caffeine on the Circulatory System

For many caffeine enthusiasts, it’s time to celebrate National Coffee Day in America on Friday, September 29th. But before you reach for that celebratory cup of joe, have you ever wondered about caffeine’s effect on the circulatory system? “While moderate doses of caffeine can have beneficial effects on the body’s cardiovascular system, such as reducing resting heart rate, excessive consumption can cause rapid heart rate and contribute to cardiac arrhythmia—an abnormal heart rate,” says Dr. David Park, one of the leading physicians at VeinInnovations. While a direct correlation between vein disease and caffeine has never been proven, consuming too much coffee can have definitive effects on your circulatory system.

Patients already afflicted by venous insufficiency should not be too concerned, as it’s unlikely that coffee will make a serious impact on your vein health. However, it’s always safest to consume caffeine in moderation, since it is medically classified as a stimulant. Studies have shown that this substance can cause negative side effects, such as constricted blood vessels, decreased circulation and increased blood pressure. As you might have guessed, individuals with venous disease are especially vulnerable to these symptoms. Keep reading to discover more about how caffeine can affect your body.

Signs of excessive caffeine consumption

Throughout the Western world, coffee is part of many people’s morning rituals. Beyond its comforting taste, this beloved beverage contains enough caffeine to jolt the adenosine neurotransmitters in your brain, which in turn release norepinephrine. Norepinephrine is responsible for the “fight-or-flight” effect, which increases blood flow and makes you feel more alert.

Now, all of this might sound harmless, but there are numerous reasons why it’s recommend that you limit your coffee intake to 24 ounces per day. Indeed, an excess in caffeine causes these brain systems to go into overdrive. As a result, patients often report emotional symptoms, such as feeling anxious and irritable, and physical side effects, including increased heart rate, heart palpitations, muscle spasms, headaches and insomnia.

Beyond coffee, you should watch out for other beverages with high caffeine contents. Abusing caffeinated soda and energy drinks isn’t healthy either. We recommend that you take care of your body by eating a balanced diet, getting seven to eight hours of sleep per night, and exercising at least 30 minutes per day. After all, leading a healthy lifestyle will give you more energy than coffee ever could!

Enjoy a coffee on us!

In celebration of National Coffee Day, VeinInnovations will be giving away ten $5 gift cards to Starbucks. Five will be available on our Facebook page, while the others are up for grabs on Instagram. Sit back and enjoy your next pumpkin spice latté or cappuccino on us. But remember not to overindulge in those deliciously caffeinated fall drinks!

If you have any concerns about your vein health and live in the Atlanta area, please reach out to VeinInnovations today. Our talented team of doctors are experts at healing the internal and external symptoms of venous disease. We can’t wait to hear from you!